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| The Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) participates in maritime cooperation activities with the US on January 19. (Source: Philippine Army) |
GMA news network quoted Ambassador Romualdez's opinion that there will be no change in policy when the US presidential term changes, according to what incoming US Secretary of State Marco Rubuo stated during his confirmation hearing.
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According to Mr. Rubui, the US will be very supportive of the Philippines and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region that are facing challenges from China.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Philippine military (AFP) said that it plans to "upgrade" joint exercises with the US in the East Sea by including more advanced training scenarios, expanding the scope of participation to include more equipment and possibly inviting other countries with similar views.
In a statement, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said: "This will enhance collective capabilities in responding to growing security challenges and maintaining peace and stability in the region."
Over the weekend, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted their first Maritime Cooperation Activity (MCA) of the year in the Palawan area. According to Ms. Padilla, the MCA aims to improve the coordination and operational capabilities of the Philippine and US militaries.
The force's spokesman said the focus of the exercise is to promote rules-based order in the maritime domain and ensure peace and security in the region.
The specific benefits that the MCA brings to the Philippines’ ability to protect its territorial waters and sovereign rights in the South China Sea include enhanced maritime domain awareness, improved communications and coordination, and valuable training opportunities for military personnel.
“These combined capabilities contribute to a more effective defense posture and enhance our ability to protect our sovereign rights in the South China Sea,” she said.
The exercise comes amid reports of the presence of Chinese vessels, including the China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901 - also known as the "monster ship" - near the coast of Zambales province. Last week, the Philippines sent a diplomatic protest and called on China to withdraw the "monster ship" from Philippine waters.
On January 19, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that the China Coast Guard (CCG) ship 5901, also known as the "monster ship", had moved far away from the coast of Zambales province, but another Chinese ship approached the area.
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